Jira vs Trello: Which Is Better in 2026?

A detailed comparison to help you choose the right project management tool for your needs.

Too Close to Call

Both tools are closely matched with similar overall ratings

Quick Comparison

Aspect
J
Jira
T
Trello
Overall Rating
7.5/10
7.5/10
Starting Price
$7.75/mo
$5/mo
Free Plan
Free Trial
Best For
any
small
Ease of Use
6/10
10/10
Features
9/10
6/10
Value for Money
7/10
8/10
Support
7/10
7/10

Overview

Jira by Atlassian is the industry standard for software development teams using Agile methodologies. Offers deep customization for Scrum and Kanban workflows.

Trello is the original visual Kanban tool, known for its simplicity and ease of use. Perfect for teams wanting straightforward task management without complexity.

Pricing Comparison

Better value: Trello
J

Jira

Pricing ModelFreemium
Starting Price$7.75/mo
Free Trial
Free Tier
T

Trello

Better Value
Pricing ModelFreemium
Starting Price$5/mo
Free Trial
Free Tier

Features Comparison

FeatureJiraTrello
Kanban Boards
Gantt Charts
Via add-on
Time Tracking
Via add-on
Via Power-Up
Resource Management
Custom Fields
Automation
Mobile App
Api Access
Guest Access
Max Users
Unlimited
Unlimited

0

features unique to Jira

0

features unique to Trello

Pros & Cons

J

Jira

Pros

  • Industry standard for dev teams
  • Powerful Scrum and Kanban boards
  • Deep customization and workflows
  • Excellent Atlassian ecosystem integration
  • Strong reporting for sprints

Cons

  • Steep learning curve
  • Can be complex to set up
  • Interface feels dated
  • Overkill for non-dev teams
T

Trello

Pros

  • Extremely easy to learn and use
  • Great free tier for basic needs
  • Clean, visual Kanban interface
  • Power-ups extend functionality
  • Fast and reliable

Cons

  • Limited features compared to competitors
  • No native Gantt charts or timelines
  • Reporting is basic
  • Power-ups can get expensive

The Verdict: It's a Tie

Both Jira and Trello are excellent project management tools that deliver strong value. With nearly identical overall ratings, the choice between them comes down to your specific requirements rather than one being objectively better.

Jira shines in software development teams, while Trello excels at simple project tracking. Consider trying both with their free trials to see which fits your workflow better.

Our recommendation: We recommend Jira if you prioritize industry standard for dev teams, and Trello if extremely easy to learn and use matter more to you.

Choose Jira if you...

  • • Need software development teams
  • • Need agile/scrum practitioners
  • • Need teams using atlassian stack

Choose Trello if you...

  • • Need simple project tracking
  • • Need personal task management
  • • Need small teams with basic needs

Ready to Get Started?

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Jira vs Trello FAQ

Both Jira and Trello are excellent choices with similar ratings. The better option depends on your specific requirements and preferences.
Yes, Trello is more affordable with plans starting at $5/month, compared to $7.75/month for the other.
Trello scores higher in ease of use (10/10) compared to Jira (6/10).
Yes, migration between Jira and Trello is possible. Most tools offer data export features. Check each tool's documentation for specific migration guides and import capabilities.
For small teams, Trello is specifically designed for this use case. Consider your budget and specific feature needs when choosing.
For startups, consider your growth trajectory. Jira offers a free tier which is great for bootstrapped startups.
Yes, each tool has unique strengths. Jira excels at: Software development teams, Agile/Scrum practitioners. Trello is better for: Simple project tracking, Personal task management. Review our detailed feature comparison above.
Both tools have similar support ratings at 7/10.
Trello offers better value for money with a rating of 8/10 compared to Jira's 7/10.
Consider switching if Trello's strengths (Simple project tracking) align better with your current needs. However, factor in migration effort and learning curve before making the switch.